NFL ARENA FOOTBALL? LEAGUE TALKS TO AFL ABOUT MARKETING PLAN

          The NFL is talking to the AFL "about forming a
     marketing relationship that could eventually allow" NFL
     owners to buy AFL teams, according to Richard Sandomir of
     the N.Y. TIMES.  NFL VP/Communications Greg Aiello: "We've
     talked to them for a year about an association, in the
     spirit of what we have with the [CFL]."  Last year, the NFL
     made a 10-year, $3M loan to the CFL.  Sandomir reports that
     Saints Owner Tom Benson has applied for an AFL expansion
     franchise, while Patriots Owner Robert Kraft, Chiefs Owner
     Lamar Hunt and Seahawks Owner Paul Allen "have voiced
     interest in ties with the Arena league."  Sandomir adds that
     NFL owners will discuss their two AFL options -- either a
     "leaguewide Arena investment," or direct ownership -- at
     their meeting on May 19 in Miami (N.Y. TIMES, 4/23).